4 . San Diego Wild Safari Park

If a trip around the world is out of the question anytime soon, a visit to the San Diego Zoo Safari Park might help quell your wanderlust and satisfy your curiosity about the world's many wild animals. The San Diego Zoo Safari Park is located just north of San Diego in Escondido. The primary goal of the 1,800-acre park is to provide a sanctuary for wildlife preservation. Animals roam freely in settings similar to their natural habitats. While there, you can take the Africa Tram Safari with knowledgeable guides and have an extraordinary opportunity to view many of the world's wild animals up close. They include lions, cheetahs, giraffes, rhinos, gazelles, zebras, buffalo, ostrich, antelope, eagles and owls.

For an even closer view of these animals and great photography opportunities, you can also sign up for a caravan safari, ranging in price from $130 to $190 for adults. The caravan adventures are for adults and children ages 6 and up.

In its continuing efforts to help dozens of endangered species, the Safari Park in San Diego Escondido is known for its successful breeding programs and for the reintroduction of some endangered species to their native wild habitats. One such project is the California Condor Recovery Program. In 1982 only 22 condors remained in the wild. Thanks to the conservation breeding program, there are now more than 350 California condors, including 190 living in the wild.

The San Diego Safari Park, also known as the Wild Animal Park, is located at 15500 San Pasqual Valley Road in Escondido. It is open daily, including all holidays. Hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. with extended hours on holidays and during the summer. Ticket prices are: $40 for adults and $30 for children ages 3-11. This includes unlimited Africa Tram Safari rides and the Safari Park's Conservation Carousel.